Rating: 3.5/5 stars
In the two-part, one-hour premiere, “You’re the Worst” kicked off its fourth season with a new feel and vibe. Jimmy (Chris Geere, “Ill Behaviour”) proved to be “the worst” at the end of season three.
The new season deals with the four characters lives, changed forever after that night. For Lindsay (Kether Donohue, “Collar”) and Edgar (Desmin Borges, “The Guest Book”), they have found new power and independence. For Jimmy and Gretchen (Aya Cash, “Village People”), things have not turned out as great.
The first episode focuses on Jimmy. In truth, it is a bit slow. He has swapped his obnoxiously British author personality for a life of recluse and a western aesthetic. His only friend is a 71-year-old man, whose life is too obviously a metaphor for his own.
The episode is not the best; libraries and the elderly are heavily featured to make up for the usual sex scene and alcohol-influenced decision. Despite the slow start, the episode is crucial to Jimmy’s character development. He is not as narcissistic as he once was, actually showing genuine interest in a character in the episode.
This means he is changing, growing and developing. In seasons one through three, Jimmy was defined by his selfish acts. Maybe season four will show a more caring side of him. Season three ended with probably the worst thing he has done in the whole show. Can he get worse, or can he only get better from here?
Geere’s performance as Jimmy Shive-Overly is up to par as usual. He is still bringing the same unlikeable yet likeable character, whether he is insulting his girlfriend about her unwashed legs, or smoking cigarettes in a trailer park.
The second episode centers on the other characters: Lindsay, Gretchen and Edgar. Lindsay is thriving in her freedom after finally divorcing her husband and embracing single life.
This new, “Sex and the City”-esque Lindsay is stronger and more responsible. Donohue still amazes, and brings her funny character out on the screen. It will be interesting to see the character develop this season because she has never been so different. Her performance is refreshing and highlights the show.
Also exciting this season is Edgar. Like Lindsay, he now has a well-paying job, lives on his own in Jimmy’s old house and is adapting much better to life compared to other seasons. He and Lindsay, for once, have the upper hand and power over Jimmy and Gretchen. It will be interesting to see how the two of them find their place.
Gretchen, like Jimmy, has taken shelter. She is hiding from the world, Jimmy and herself. Cash is bringing her strongest work yet, and another layer of Gretchen is being pulled off this season.
She is like the audience has never seen her before, yet Cash stays in tune with the character. It feels natural coming from her. Cash blends comedy and drama to form Gretchen, her acting so genuine that viewers can truly feel her pain while watching.
Season four is different from all the other seasons so far. The characters, who once had to learn how to deal with one another, now have to adjust to life and learn how to not deal with one another.
The characters have to find independence, and it will not be an easy road. The premiere, especially part two, offered an exciting new perspective on relationships with others and themselves.
Photo: FXX via YouTube.com
